Discover Calhoun County

Known for Calhoun County peaches in the summer and apples in the fall, the county offers miles of prosperous farms and orchards. For anyone who enjoys the beauty of nature all year long, "Calhoun is a County for All Seasons." Come visit Calhoun County by boat, car or bicycle and pick fruit, watch migratory birds, shop for antiques, visit historic sites or perhaps just escape for a quiet weekend away. The natural beauty of the Illinois River valley in close proximity to the Great River Road provide tremendous opportunities for an intimate experience with nature.

Stay in Calhoun County

From cabins in the country to quaint little guest houses tucked away in the hills, your restful respite is waiting for you in Calhoun County. Pull up a rocker on the front porch and watch the world go by, taking you a million miles from Monday.

Dine in Calhoun County

Sizzling steaks served up hot off the grill. Hold out your plate for fried chicken, roast beef, homemade sausages, mashed potatoes, corn and more all dished out family-style. Or, dine by the riverside, especially in the winter time, to see the eagles swoop down for an afternoon bite to eat. Get your palate ready for a memorable dining experience that will have you crossing the ferry each season for more.

ABOUT CALHOUN

WELCOME TO CALHOUN COUNTY
Welcome to Calhoun County! Calhoun County is a narrow pennisula of mostly high ground located between the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. The county was organized in 1825. Today, Calhoun County has a population of 5,177 people with miles of lush farmland and countryside to explore. Nestled between the mighty Mississippi and Illinois rivers, the county can be accessed by crossing the Illinois River using either the Brussels Ferry (just north of Grafton, IL) or the Kampsville Ferry, both of which are free of charge. Crossing the Mississippi River, visitors can take the Golden Eagle Ferry (just five miles from Old Town St. Charles) for a fee. In Hardin, the unique Joe Paige Lift Bridge is the only bridge access to the county, spanning the Illinois River and connecting to land routes in north bordering Pike County.

Known for Calhoun County peaches in the summer and apples in the fall, the county offers miles of prosperous farms and orchards, which are enjoyed by day-trippers who visit by car, boat, motorcycle, bicycle or tour bus. It is very popular in the fall when many visitors come to enjoy the beautiful transformation of the leaves. Additionally, because of its unique location between two rivers, many visitors come to observe migrating birds from the fall through the spring. Calhoun County is the second largest winter nesting area for the American Bald Eagle in North America. As you journey along, the gems of the communities can also be found in the historic sites, such as the Center for American Archeology in Kampsville. The county offers a restful respite to those journeying from the St. Louis region and beyond. Take the time to explore the quaint communities making Calhoun County Illinois a county for all seasons!